Garden rooms grew massively in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when lockdowns and the rise of remote working meant people needed additional space at home to use as garden office pods, gyms, studios or leisure areas. The trend has continued post-pandemic as people caught onto the fact they could have a practical and stylish new space without the need for a costly home extension. They offer flexible living spaces and, with many still working in a hybrid fashion, boundaries between work and home life. Garden rooms provide a great return on investment as they enhance kerb appeal and can add to the value of your home.
However, the main question that is always asked is ‘How much does a garden room cost?’ But there isn’t one simple answer, only several variables, such as the size, materials, design and intended use, so, let’s dive into some of these issues.
Key Factors That Influence Garden Room Costs
Several key factors will make the biggest difference in the cost of your garden building. Let’s examine some of these a little more closely.
Size and Dimensions
Simply put, the larger your garden building, the more it’s going to cost. A smaller room will use less in terms of materials and labour than a larger one, which will contribute to the overall cost of your garden room.
Materials Used
More premium materials are going to increase the overall cost of your garden room, but you need to balance that thought with the fact that better quality materials will likely mean a longer life for your new space as well as contribute to your enjoyment of it. Quality glazing, roofing and insulation will mean enjoyment all year round. A well-insulated garden room will also be weatherproof – giving greater value for money long term.
Design and Customisation
A prefabricated, simple model will be a more cost-effective option as much less is involved in the installation process. A bespoke garden room will cost more to create the perfect space and features you’re looking for, but the investment will likely be worth it for the greater level of enjoyment gained from using it.
Intended Use
Adding features such as electrical systems, heating and plumbing will all add to the cost. You may be intending to use it as a guest space and need a bathroom and kitchenette area, and these will add to the costs for the connection of water, wastewater and electrics as well as planning permission. However, if it is merely to be used as a garden gym shed and only requires some lighting and heating, this will cost less to install.
Location and Site Preparation
If the location of your new garden room is difficult to access for engineers and machinery, this could also add to the costs. Clearing space for foundations and other obstacles may also contribute to a higher cost level as well as connecting any services such as electricity, water, Wi-Fi and wastewater.
Furniture and Interior Finishes
Finishing off your garden building with the right floor and wall coverings, as well as the furniture or other equipment you want to use, need to be factored into the costs as well. For example, if your garden room is going to be used as a music space for performance or producing and mixing, then additional insulation will be needed to make the building soundproof, and selecting the right interior finishes is vital if you’re going to use it as a spa-type space where water or steam need to be managed from a hot tub or pool.
Long-Term Value and Benefits of a Garden Room
When you’re weighing up the costs of a garden building for your house, you need to consider not just the amount you’re going to pay for it, but also the value that it will bring in return. There are many long-term values and benefits to an insulated garden room which include:
- Adding significant value to your property
- Enhances versatile living
- Creates a relaxing outdoor living space
- Cost efficient and sustainable
- Low maintenance
- High durability and longevity
- Environmentally friendly
Average Prices of a Garden Room
| Building type | Range of prices | Average Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mini garden office |
£2,500 to £8,000 | £5,250 |
| Larger garden ‘man cave’ | £1,500 to £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Medium log cabin | £5,000 to £8,000 | £6,500 |
| Large bespoke or high-spec log cabin | £15,000 to £30,000 | £22,500 |
| Basic small, insulated office | £3,200 to £7,800 | £5,500 |
| Home office pod | £3,500 to £20,000 | £11,750 |
What’s Included in the Cost of a Garden Room?
Every garden room company price their buildings and what’s included differently. Most include the essentials – such as foundations and a weathertight exterior shell and then offer other elements as additional packages. It is also worth checking whether the price includes VAT as some initial prices may seem more affordable as it’s not been included. A breakdown of some of the elements that may or may not be included are:
Usually Included
- Insulation – most companies include this in the initial price rather than making it an optional extra.
- Foundations – most will include it in the starting price but some may ask you to organise it before they arrive on site.
- Installation – some offer garden rooms as a DIY ‘kit’ but most include installation as part of the price.
- Doors and windows – usually these are house-quality uPVC units of standard quality but any changes will impact the quote.
- External cladding – this is typically a company’s standard finish and might be a composite or a wooden cladding – more expensive finishes will create a higher cost.
- Lighting and power sockets – the majority of garden rooms include the wiring of lighting and power points although this may be an additional package to the basic quote.
- Flooring – the majority of garden room starting prices will include basic laminate flooring and skirting boards but will offer a flooring upgrade if you choose it.
- Interior lining – most basic prices will include an interior lining with the option to upgrade or even to DIY if you choose.
Sometimes or Not Often Included
- Electrical hook-up – this may be left for you to organise with a local electrician although many garden room companies will provide it as part of their turnkey service.
- Heating – some may include an electric panel heater and options to upgrade, but others won’t offer any in the initial quote.
- Data cabling – mainly companies offering a turnkey service will provide a data cabling connection, most will only provide it as an optional extra.
Why Choose Nordic Timber?
At Nordic Timber, we combine quality craftsmanship with durability and sustainability. We build every garden room with attention to detail using premium sustainable materials, helping you to expand your living space whilst making a responsible choice for the environment.
If you’re still asking, ‘How much does a garden room cost?’ then get in touch with our expert team to discuss your project and get a free, no-obligation quote and discover the possibilities today
